1. Volkswagen Up/Skoda Citigo/Seat Mii
The teeny-tiny VW Group trio still sit at the top of this small-cheap-starter-car segment, even though you’ve no choice but to buy used.
The simple 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is reliable, but also fun to drive, and if you can track down one of the brilliant little electric e-Ups you’re on to a great starter EV too.
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The minimalist cabin is smart and well-made, and there’s enough room for four people, although you’ll have to fold the back seats to get a decent loadspace.
Prices start at under €2,000, but you’re better off spending €7,000 or so to get one from a reputable dealer. Make sure the brakes and exhaust are in good order, but the reliability factor is high.
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2. Dacia Sandero
The Sandero is just about cheap enough as a new car (€18,890) but you can, of course, save yourself a tonne of money by dipping back into the Sandero’s 13 years’ worth of used models in the Irish market (just beware the finger-snagging cheap plastics in the early cars).
Prices start from as little as €2,000 for a 2013 edition, but you can get into a current-shape (and vastly superior model) Sandero (2021-onwards) from around €8,500.
The little Renault-sourced 1-litre petrol engine is pretty tough, but they do tend to throw up odd warning lights, which often result in a partially-spurious dealer visit to sort. The 4x4-look Stepway model has a touch of SUV cool on its side, but you have to pay extra, and what’s the point of that?
Wild Card: Used Japanese import
There are a lot of pros and cons about dipping your toe in the import market. Risks include some insurance firms being loath to cover these cars and concerns that some Japanese imports lack security features – such as immobilisers – thereby increasing the risk of theft. Often the infotainment system will be in Japanese unless the head unit has been replaced or converted.
Nevertheless, the quality of these cars stands out. In particular, we’d point towards the Mazda2 – usually called the Demio in Japan. This is the sensible primary schoolteacher of the motoring world. It’s sensibly sized, and the steering tells you where the front wheels are.
Opt for manual transmission and this car will let any learner driver discover the difference between driving and merely operating a vehicle. It’s a car that teaches confidence rather than arrogance.
